Bucuti Beach Resort is awarded the Green Award by the International Hotel and Restaurant Awards

EAGLE BEACH, Aruba - September 20, 2008- Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba is being awarded the Green Award by the International Hotel and Restaurant Awards. The award will be presented at a formal gala in Beverly Hills, Calif. on November 16, 2008. Bucuti Beach was selected because it is at the forefront of the green movement and has been an active green role model for the Caribbean for more than 20 years.

The desire to give back to the island community and preserve the environment stems from the owner's passion to conserve and sustain the beauty of the tropical destination. "Since day one, I have been committed to preserving Aruba's rich culture and environment while gently educating our guests on what makes the island unique," said Bucuti Beach Owner and CEO, Ewald Biemans.

Bucuti creates a healthy and environmentally friendly environment, important for Bucuti guests, staff and the whole island community. Bucuti's IHR Green Award was judged on the resort's dedication to current environmental standards and how the resort proactively considers the future of the planet.

The Bucuti staff has been focused on the planet's future for two decades and their eco-conscious Green Team has worked hard to conserve the environment. As a leader in Caribbean sustainable tourism, Bucuti Beach Resort featuring Tara Beach Suites & Spa is continuing to introduce innovative environmental initiatives while actively engaging guests and staff in the conservation process. Some of the initiatives are the completely organic cleaning products, an Ozone machine to control molds, mildew, algae and bacteria present in the environment and the staff training in green cleaning. All rooms and suites at Bucuti are equipped with separate waste bins for recycling, energy saving lamps and water saving toilets, showerheads and taps. The resort is equipped with light sensors, water control devices, HACCP food safety procedures, environmentally friendly products, solar heated water, air-conditioning sensors and bulk dispensers.

All water used in showers, sinks and baths is collected in the grey water recycling system, irradiated by powerful ultra violet lamps to eliminate bacteria and then re-used to irrigate the grounds. Wastewater flows to the government treatment plant for re-use by businesses and the two golf courses on the island.

"Promoting conservation among our staff and guests is a major part of the Bucuti experience," Biemans said. "Whether it's participating in one of our resort-sponsored beach clean-ups, interacting with volunteers from Turtugaruba, the island's sea turtle protection program or enjoying native cuisine, folklore and music at our restaurant, our guests can count on a truly hands-on, authentic Aruban experience."

The award is not the first green award for the eco-chic Bucuti Beach Resort. In 2007, the resort was applauded by Islands Magazine with a BLUE Award for its dedication to sustainable tourism.